Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. HIQA advised the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, and the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, in December 2021 that the chief inspector had concerns about the ongoing governance of social care in community healthcare organisation, CHO, 1 and about a recent very serious adult and child safeguarding concern. The chief inspector of social services has instigated a regulatory programme requiring the HSE to take action to improve the quality of life for residents and regulatory compliance. HIQA is monitoring the progress with the HSE in that regard. It is my understanding the Minister met HIQA and the HSE and the Department of Heath is now preparing the terms of reference for the scoping exercise to strengthen safeguarding practice. Further work meetings are to take place between the Minister and the Department in respect of that.

I will come back to the Deputy on the timelines for the legislation.

See this speech in context